BLS reports fatal work injuries declined in 2012

On August 22, 2013, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released preliminary results of the 2012 National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. This data showed an overall reduction in the number of deaths caused by work-related injuries.

"I am greatly encouraged by the reduction in workplace fatalities, even in a growing economy,” explained Thomas E. Perez, secretary of labor. “It is a testament to the hard work of employers, unions, health and safety professionals and the Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Mine Safety and Health Administration. Through collaborative education and outreach efforts, and effective law enforcement, these numbers indicate that we are absolutely moving in the right direction.”

In 2012, there were 4,383 fatalities from work-related injuries, a rate of 3.2 fatal injuries per 100,000 full-time workers. This was down from a fatality rate of 3.5 per 100,000 full-time workers in 2011, which saw a total of 4,693 worker fatalities.